According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. Manufacturers have received reports of 165 incidents, including 46 fires and $2.15 million in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

About 2.2 million units were sold nationwide, in addition to 52,000 sold in Canada, at retailers such as AAFES, HH Gregg,Home Depot, Kmart, Lowe’s, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Sam’s Club and Sears, and online at Amazon.com and Ebay.com, from January 2005 through August 2013 for between $110 and $400.

The dehumidifiers are white, beige, gray or black plastic and measure between 19 and 24 inches tall, 13 and 15 inches wide, and 9 and 11 inches deep. Capacities range from 20- to 70-pint.